Geauga County Maple Leaf 3-27-2025

March 27, 2025

31 No. 13 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com

Painesville Youth Dies

In

Newbury Crash

Staff RepoRt

Ben Grisard, 15, of Painesville, died in a one-vehicle crash early March 22 in Newbury Township, Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Aaron Belcher said March 25.

Burton Fire EMS was called to the scene on Burton Heights Boulevard just east of state Route 44 at about 1 a.m., where a black, 2005 Ford F250 had gone off the road and hit a ditch and a tree, he said.

See Crash • Page 3

Kenston Teacher

Accused of Saying Racial Slur

Staff RepoRt

A Kenston Schools teacher was recently placed on administrative leave after reportedly using a racial slur in the classroom last month.

The teacher — who Kenston Schools Superintendent Bruce Willingham later confirmed is John Sandy — allegedly lost his temper Feb. 5 and used profanity, Willingham said in a statement March 19.

“(Sandy) has stated that the comments were not directed at any individual or group of students. However, the district firmly upholds that such language is unacceptable in any context,” Willingham said in the statement.

WKYC spoke with students who were in the classroom at the time and reported Sandy said the racial slur in the context of telling students to stop saying it.

“He should have not said it, he should've just like said he doesn't

See Kenston • Page 3

League of Women Voters Highlight Gov’t Transparency

By alliSon WilSon@ka

In honor of National Sunshine Week, the League of Women Vot ers of Geauga shed some rays on Geauga County Commissioners March 18 for their recent efforts to provide more accessibility and government transparency.

“Sunshine week is really just a national program to encourage transparency in government and to make it more accessible to cit izens and the community,” LWVG President Carol Benton said. Benton thanked commission

See Commissioners • Page 3

40th anniversary March 13.

For the Love of Literature

Burton Library Book Club Celebrates 40 Years

By RoSe nemunaitiS editoR@kaRlovecmedia.com

If Burton Public Library’s walls could talk, they might recall years of joyful chatter from literary lovers discussing the latest historical fiction novel, biography

or self-help books inside the building’s large community room.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary March 13, the Burton Public Library’s book club celebrated with camaraderie, cake and — of course — lots of conversation.

“My office is down the hall

from the meeting room where they meet and I hear their laughter from my office every time they get together,” Burton Public Library Director Katie Ringenbach said.

Over the past 40 years, the group has read 389 books of various

See Books • Page 4

Community Meetings

Listed are public meetings and executive sessions in the county for the coming week, unless otherwise noted. To have a public meeting included in this section, fax information to 440285-2015 or email editor@karlovecmedia.com no later than Monday noon. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.

Geauga County: April 1, 9:30 a.m., Geauga County Commissioners. All county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners meetings are held in Suite 350.

Auburn Township: March 27, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at the Administration Building, 11010 Washington St., unless otherwise indicated.

Burton Village: March 31, 7 p.m., Village Council. All meetings are held at 14588 W. Park

St., 2nd Floor, unless otherwise noted.

Chardon Township: April 2, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, unless otherwise noted.

Chester Township: April 2, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; April 3, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Hambden Township: April 2, 6:30 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 13887 GAR Highway, unless otherwise noted.

Huntsburg Township: April 1, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road.

Montville Township: March 27, 7:30 p.m., Zoning Commission; April 1, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Montville Community Center, 9755 Madison

Road, unless noted.

Newbury Township: April 2, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Town Hall, 14899 Auburn Road, unless otherwise noted.

Parkman Township: April 1, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.

Russell Township: April 3, 2 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at Town Hall, 14890 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Thompson Township: April 2, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees, at the Geauga County Public Library - Thompson Branch.

Troy Township: April 1, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees; April 3, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission. All meetings are held at Troy Community Center, 13950 Main Market Road, unless noted.

Chardon Chamber Highlights Local Businesses

Staff RepoRt

The Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce honored several local businesses during its awards banquet March 18 at St. Denis Golf Course and Party Center in Chardon.

The chamber gave awards to the following businesses:

Kenston

from page 1

want us like using that word instead of saying it," said a student, according to the WKYC report.

The district remains “committed to fostering a respectful learning environment for all students” and will continue to provide resources and support to staff to uphold these expectations, Willingham said in his statement.

“We understand the concerns this situation has raised and we appreciate the community’s patience as we work through the appropriate investigative, procedural and contractual steps,” he added. “Our priority is, and always will be, the well-being of our students."

The district said an investigation into the incident is underway.

Crash

from page 1

Reading from the report, Belcher said the driver, Noah Leininger, 19, was not injured. The other passenger in the front seat, Autumn Ellerson, 18, and Martin Grisard, 19 — in the backseat with his brother — were taken to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center for minor injuries, Belcher said.

No one had seat belts buckled, and front and side airbags were deployed, the sergeat said, adding emergency crews employed the jaws of life to extract Ben Grisard from the wreckage.

No alcohol use was apparent at the scene and speed appears to be a factor, Belcher said. The crash remains under investigation.

• Small Business of the Year award to Nate Mitchell of Blue Lake Cleaning;

• Big Business of the Year award to CJ Paterniti of D&S Automotive Collision & Restyling;

• Business Person of the Year ward to Susan Parker of HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum & Artemis Property Ventures;

• Organization of the Year award to Geau-

Commissioners

from page 1

been well received by the public,” she said. “It’s good to hear from them.”

Benton asked commissioners to encourage similar transparency among other county organizations.

During the public comment section of the meeting, resident Joe Otto raised questions about the Geauga County Airport taxiway project.

At their Dec. 10 meeting, commissioners approved a reimbursement request from the Airport Authority for a new parallel taxiway.

Per the airport’s website, there is currently one 3,500-foot-by-65-foot runway.

A project for a new hangar is also in limbo, with commissioners previously granting the airport $1.33 million contingent upon an agreement that is currently being renegotiated.

Otto, who said he was a pilot for 60 years, asked a number of questions about the airport's revenue and how it’s logged.

“I hear all kinds of numbers — $600,000 from the (Federal Aviation Administration), $1.2, $1.3, $1.33 (million) from Geauga County — and the first thing that hits my mind is, what’s that money being spent for?” he asked.

The new taxiway is going to be the same length as the current one, something that won’t be good for attracting businesses, he said, adding the average jet would have trouble landing there.

While small jets don’t have trouble landing on the runway, most corporate flight departments' standard procedures require a minimum of 4,000 feet and parallel taxiway, Airport Manager Ric Blamer clarified in a March 24 email.

Why spend this money on a taxiway when in the future, a longer one would be needed, Otto asked.

ga F.O.E. Aerie #2261;

• Maple Leaf Community Impact award to Joyce Perrico of Chardon Eats (Chardon Restaurant Week, Chardon Pizza Week and Sweet September);

• High School Scholarship awards to Iker Amaro, Ella Henderson, Dane Schinness, all from Chardon Schools, who each received $1,500.

Despite his criticisms, Otto called the airport an asset to the county, comparing paying money for it to paying for local schools when you don’t have children.

However, he would still like to know where his tax money is going, he added.

Commissioners are making a decision they don’t have the ammunition to pull the trigger on, he said.

The airport has a five-year plan, Spidalieri said, adding $1.3 million is a good price to pay for the new hangar project and that $600,000 will be granted back from the FAA as part of the project.

A parallel taxiway would increase the safety of the airport and there have been discussions with neighboring property owners about extending the taxiway, he said, adding the property would have to be acquired in order to extend it.

Otto said he had been told the airport owns the property for the taxiway and the problem was having the funds to extend it.

While acquiring the property to extend the runway is in the airport’s master plan, they do not own it at this time, Blamer said in his email.

Otto said his issue wasn’t the cost, but lack of a plan and he is strongly in favor of the new taxiway.

A five-year plan is too little, he said, adding with an airport, you want to be looking 20 years.

The FAA has required the airport to prepare multiple plans, Blamer said March 24, including a master plan and airport layout plan looking forward 10-15 years. They are not guarantees the projects will be completed, he said, but are what the airport is looking to accomplish in that time.

Brakey said she has asked for a business plan or strategic plan, but has yet to be provided one.

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with no connection to Chester Township to determine the future of its land use, officials are pressing for community input and involve ment.

Chris Alusheff and Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals Secretary Kathleen McCarthy hosted a town hall meeting March 19 to discuss the process of updating the township’s land use plan.

years, Alusheff said.

2008.

important tool in ensuring that future growth or change reflects the will of the community at large,” Alusheff said.

chestertwp.com/land-use-plan/ — provides township officials with a blueprint for future development and growth, Alusheff said.

Land Use Plan to Be ‘by Chester and for Chester’

“An added benefit to this approach is the plan will be made by Chester and for Chester, rather than a vision created by a large planning firm in downtown Cleveland or elsewhere with no ties to the community,” Alusheff said. “This represents active involvement of the community, of creating the plan, rather than passive involvement of approving

Residents will be invited to fill out a survey regarding their vision for Chester Township using an online platform and both Alusheff and McCarthy reassured residents they would work to get every household to fill

Alusheff hopes the committee will have its first meeting at the end of May and meet once a month for the next 18-24 months.

They are looking for residents to apply in specialized areas, such as architecture, real estate, engineering, water resources, public safety, logistics and finance, he said, adding they hope to include business owners, civic leaders and both new and long-time residents of Chester. The Chester Township Trustees will ultimately choose committee

to guide the future actions, development, growth and direction of a community that is created with the input of residents, business owners and stakeholders to reflect a vision for the future of the township,” he said. It covers zoning information, natural resources, recreation, agricultural information, community goals, future development, transportation information, among others,

Books

from page 1

genres, kept neatly recorded in a log inside the library’s home at 14588 West Park St., adjacent from Burton Square.

Geauga County Public Library Director Kris Carroll told Ringenbach she does not think any of their book discussion groups in the county have been running as long as Burton’s.

While she has no way of verifying that, it seems more likely than not Burton's group is the longest running book club in Geauga

at survey results, demographics, Census data and data from the American Community Survey, he said.

In 2019, a Cleveland developer said it

County, she said.

The book club’s first read was “Women of Courage,” by Margaret Truman, profiling 12 remarkable women, both famous and little-known, who impacted American history and highlighting their courage and resilience from the American Revolutionary War times to the present.

One might say it was a very apropos first book given the village’s rich history as Geauga County’s oldest settlement.

According to The Ohio History Connection, the Burton Public Library was established in 1910 by the Civic Improvement Society, a group of Burton women dedicated to the betterment of the Burton community. The society held a community “book shower,” providing 567 volumes to begin the collection.

Library membership was one dollar per year at the time, but it became a free library in 1912 when public funding was secured, according to OHC, which added in 1937, the library moved to its current location inside the Queen Anne-style building and former home of Burton’s second high school.

With help from the Burton Chamber of Commerce, it remains an independent institution serving Berkshire Schools, which includes Troy, Claridon and Burton townships and Burton Village.

During the anniversary celebration, book club members discussed the novel, “Tom Lake,” by Ann Patchett, which details the story of a daughter’s return in spring of 2020 to her family’s orchard in Northern Michigan.

Marilyn Pickett has been a book club member for about 20 years and spent her early childhood growing up in Jackson, Mich., east of Kalamazoo.

She credited her mom reading to her and her siblings at bedtime for her continued love of books.

sources, the township will save that money. Instead, Alusheff and the Geauga County Planning Commission will facilitate the landuse committee.

“My mother was a reader,” Pickett said. “She read to us every night.”

The startup book club had 14 original members.

“They meet in the same room as they did 40 years ago,” Ringenbach said. “One of these original members passed away in 2024 — she stopped attending sometime during the last couple of years — so we had one member who participated in our book club for 3738 years.”

The core book club group currently comprises 15 to 20 members and is always welcoming new members. According to CNN Business, “Social media is spurring interest in books and book clubs in younger readers.”

There is a different moderator each month for Burton’s club.

“We are all book lovers,” Pickett said. “We read a different variety of books. We have different opinions, and we’ll go around and discuss. It’s a very good discussion group and we enjoy meeting new people.”

The monthly books are received through the library’s inter loan system, which facilitates resource sharing between libraries, enabling patrons to access materials not available in their local library's collection.

Some members prefer reading their books electronically, but Picket said she needs to turn the pages and feel the physical book in her hands.

Kathleen Beten, a retired teacher, has been in the club since 2005.

“We read one book a month, but in August and December, we go out to lunch and don’t have a book that month,” Beten said. “I have been going to libraries since I was old enough to read. I have a lot of favorite books. I like to find an author I like and then read everything they write. We always have a great discussion even if we don’t like the book.”

Residents interested in applying to the committee can visit chestertwp.com/landuse-plan/ and click “App for Lup Comm.” Paper copies will also be available in the town hall lobby. Applications are due April 1.

For more information on the land use plan, residents can visit the new zoning department Facebook page where Alusheff will post progress and updates.

The group met over Zoom or outside in the historic library’s reading garden during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We discovered that the ability to participate remotely was really helpful because sometimes, it is difficult for members to get to the library, so we have maintained the ability to participate from home,” Ringenbach said, adding she truly appreciates the club’s longevity.

“My day-to-day gets bogged down with necessary logistics,” Ringenbach said. “Things like elevator maintenance are crucial to operations, but are absolutely not the reason I became a librarian. My sense of fulfillment and purpose comes from activities like our book club. For 40 years, this group has read books on a wide variety of topics and engaged in thoughtful and respectful conversation. This activity is at the crux of why I do what I do.”

This year’s theme for National Library Week, which runs from April 6-12, is "Drawn to the Library," which is celebrating the diverse ways people utilize libraries for research, study, exploration, entertainment, connection and growth.

BPL’s book club meets on the second Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the historic library’s large meeting room. April’s book discussion will be on Tracy Chevalier’s, “A Single Thread,” a fictional story set in 1930s Winchester, England, that explores the life of a 38-year-old woman, who was considered a “surplus woman” after the loss of several men in World War I.

“The topics they read about have tremendous range and their discussions are thoughtful and respectful,” Ringenbach said. “I think this is why there are current members who have been with this book club for more than 20 years. New members are always welcome to join.”

Chardon BOE Exploring Master Plan Options

By alliSon WilSon WilSon@kaRlovecmedia com

Warm, safe and dry remain prominent infrastructure goals for Chardon Schools Board of Education members as they consider options for a new campus master plan.

The board approved a proposal from ThenDesign Architecture at its March 17 meeting as a starting off point.

The plans are conceptual and exploratory, Superintendent Mike Hanlon emphasized, adding the district would want feedback from the community before any kind of funding request was made.

“The board’s direction in keeping with our district success plan was to continue from using the presentation that TDA provided to the district in September as the jumping off point, continue with the work to evaluate some different ways that we might consider moving forward with capital improvements in our district,” he said.

TDA’s September presentation gave three ranges of facility and infrastructure needs within the district, Hanlon recalled. These included immediate, less than threeyear needs, three-to-five-year needs and more-than-five-year needs.

“There was a significant list of repairs that TDA brought to the board’s attention and while we have been tackling a lot of those things in order for us to accelerate that, we need to really put a cost and a schedule to that,” the superintendent said.

TDA’s current proposal provides several options for the district, including prioritizing facility renovations based upon the September assessment, building a new 600-student, prekindergarten-through-third-grade building or reprogramming the district’s current setup.

New construction could involve building on the existing Park Elementary School and Park Auditorium site, including the library parcel; demolishing the Chardon Early Learning Center (former Maple Elementary School) and building on that site, utilizing space in the high school student parking lot; or building on the Chardon Middle School site and demolishing the current administrative building, according to TDA’s proposal.

The final option suggests a new administrative building as part of the pre-kindergarten-through-third-grade building, with all the options incorporating a new auditorium capable of seating up to 500 people.

As part of the academic reprogramming considerations, TDA will be conducting a feasibility study of the existing schools. The study would include discussion with Chardon staff over goals for reprogramming and review of the schools’ current floorplans, according to TDA.

“This would be, for lack of a better term, if we were looking to go out to the studs and really reinvent or re-imagine what our spaces at the middle school or the high school could look like and do more complete renovation

Cryptidcon Coming to Chardon Square Oct. 11

Staff RepoRt

Cryptozoologists and paranormal en thusiasts alike can look forward to Oct. 11, after Chardon City Council approved a Cryptidcon event on Chardon Square during their March 13 meeting.

“Cryptids are creatures rumored to exist — fantasy, mythological creatures,” event host Jessy Harper explained, listing bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster as ex amples.

“We actually have some around here … we have the mothman, who was seen in West Virginia and southern Ohio,” Harper added. “We have Bessie, the lake monster, who is much like the Loch Ness monster here in Lake Erie.”

Other notable Ohio cryptids include the Kirtland melonheads and the Loveland frogman.

Harper, who also runs the Ohio Viking Festival, said her goal is to have a “spooky little festival” in October, the month of spooky things.

The event will be family friendly and will feature entertainment in the gazebo, guest authors and vendors selling “cool weird things,” she said.

and design it to meet our educational programming needs of today,” Hanlon said.

Board member Andrea Clark asked when the community would be involved in the discussion.

“The first thing that hit me (upon reading) was, everyone keeps talking about bringing fourth grade back down to elementary, is that ever a possibility? And then, do we renovate, or do we actually consider this new building?” she said. “Because I think (the public) spoke strongly against the high school. I’m not sure if they’d speak strongly against elementary school.”

Community involvement needs to happen before people are presented with options, she added.

The community will be brought into the discussion with TDA as proposals are developed, Hanlon said.

“This was envisioned to be a long-term (project), this is not a quick turn-around item,” he said. “Building that capacity and understanding within the community is very important, especially if we’re moving to a new construction concept.”

Board President Karen Blankenship asked for a timeline of when the board would

have more information from TDA.

Hanlon said he hoped to have it at some point between the March meeting and August.

“I think this is an important step forward for us to take a look at our other options,” Blankenship said.

In other business, board member Todd Albright recounted his experience testifying at the state house regarding the governor’s proposed budget, which reduces state funding to schools.

“I don’t personally think it went all that well, that’s just my impression of it,” he said.

Albright also expressed appreciation for the variety of people testifying and their passion.

“In efforts to save money or re-allocate funds, a great deal of children are going to lose out in this equation and I can’t help but think that some of this is almost like a vendetta,” he said.

Albright encouraged people to make phone calls and write letters to legislators.

Hanlon said he spoke with other people who were in the room during Albright’s testimony and they all thought he did a great job.

Several board members thanked him for his efforts.

Cuyahoga Man Pleads Not Guilty to Child Porn Charges

Staff RepoRt

Cuyahoga County resident Eric Arnold Schmidt, 44, pleaded not guilty to multiple counts related to child pornography at his March 12 arraignment in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas.

There will be no need for any big tents, Harper said, noting she would like to use the Heritage House to give the authors a quiet meeting space and Short Court Street for food vendors.

“My goal is to not overstep the vendors who are already on the square. We want to boost their sales,” she said. “We don’t want

first year, Harper said.

Her viking festival sees between 7,00010,000 people over three days, she added upon question from council.

“It should be something that goes over fairly well and fairly easy at that,” she said. “There’s nothing crazy happening, there’s no beer tent or alcohol.”

Council expressed enthusiasm for the event and unanimously voted to approve it.

While Schmidt’s arraignment was originally scheduled for March 26, the court granted a request for it to be moved to March 12 as his legal counsel, James Eskridge, was unable to make the original date.

Schmidt is facing three counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity oriented material, a second-degree felony; and one count of dis seminating material harmful to juveniles, a fifth-degree felony.

ty detectives, Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand previously said in a press release.

According to a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation, Schmidt had allegedly friended a 16-year-old Geauga County female on an online social media app.

He was arrested Jan. 27 by Geauga Coun-

“Schmidt was taken into custody by the Geauga County Detective Bureau without incident following an investigation into allegations involving inappropriate actions with a minor,” Hildenbrand said in the release, adding that criminal charges are allegations, and individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

Schmidt’s $20,000, 10% bond was paid Feb. 25, according to the court docket, and his case has been assigned to Geauga County Common Pleas Judge Matt Rambo.

Schmidt

Chester Hires Fire Chief, Police Officer

mma macniven macniven@kaRlovecmedia com

Chester Township Trustees unanimously voted to hire Andrew Nagy as the township’s new fire chief March 20.

Nagy, a part-time firefighter and paramedic, became a full-time assistant fire chief last month and trained for the position of chief under the guidance of Fire Chief Bill Shaw.

Shaw is set to retire this month after leading the department for the past four years.

“It's been a great learning experience,” Nagy said of his training with Shaw. “I've learned a lot from him being a chief for 30some years. He had a lot of great knowledge that he's passed on to me, really helped hone my leadership skills and some of the bookkeeping stuff that, as a regular fireman, you are not usually having much experience or exposure to.”

Shaw highlighted some of his department's accomplishments over the past four

“(Our goals were to) stabilize the staffing, develop the officers as far as training and their leadership skills and to find a replacement … to gauge if there were any candidates internally that, you know, either have been thinking about or had the desire to move up to a chief's position,” Shaw said.

Also during the March 20 trustees meeting, Thomas Bowser was sworn in as a police officer for the Chester Township Police Department.

Bowser worked at the Cleveland Police Department for over eight years, said Police Chief Craig Young.

“Anytime we can be at full strength, it's a good thing for us, and we've been without full strength for the better part of three years,” Young said, adding Bowser brings a lot of experience.

Young expressed appreciation for the county’s support.

“Geauga County is a great county that supports law enforcement and I think that's a move you see more and more recently, is you have a lot of of individuals that are making some moves from other counties to come to communities like Chester because we have such overwhelming support from our residents, from our board of trustees and it's a great place to work,” he said.

Young reminded Bowser things at the police department run slower than at the Cleveland Police Department.

“Here in Chester, you are going to get everything you had before, just at a slower pace,” he said. “He understands police work, we just have to teach him the Chester and the Geauga way of doing that.”

County Engineer Reflects on a Road Well Traveled

By alliSon WilSon WilSon@kaRlovecmedia com

While he is not originally from Geauga County, Andrew Haupt has haunted its many roads much of his life.

“I was born and raised in Euclid,” said the recently-appointed county engineer in a March 19 interview. “Chardon’s always kind of been a memory.”

Haupt’s aunt and uncle owned a farm in Rock Creek. He recalled getting stuck by the trains passing through Chardon on Water Street while visiting when he was younger.

“We’d get to go to McDonalds, it was a big thing,” he said.

The Road to Engineer

Haupt attended both Lakeland Community College and Cleveland State University,

and recalled taking multiple classes for fun while figuring out what he wanted to do.

“Eventually, I settled on — civil engineering was the target, ‘cause that was the closest thing to what I knew growing up with my dad (and) construction sites,” he said.

The outdoors aspect of civil engineering also appealed to Haupt. Having worked a brief stint in a factory, he found he preferred being outside.

“Civil engineer projects, it’s the interstate, it’s bridges, it’s the roads, water and drainage and all the things you don’t really think about, but everybody uses,” he said.

Haupt began working for the county full time in 1996 before switching to surveying while he worked on getting his surveying license.

He has also worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation on large infrastruc-

ture on Interstate 77, including the Hall of Fame Bridge in Canton. He later transferred to Cleveland, where he became the assistant bridge engineer.

Former County Engineer Joe Cattell asked Haupt about returning to his Geauga post around 2013.

“I thought about it,” Haupt said. “I was like, yeah, it’s time to come home and go back and be a part of something that’s closer to the heart.”

Ending up in public office was not something he had previously considered, he said.

“It was never a, ‘That’s what I’m going to do.’ It was doing the work. I grew up working with my hands and building stuff, and public speaking — I don’t know if it comes naturally to anybody, but that was definitely not my forte growing up,” he said.

“We’ve built up an infrastructure here that’s pretty incredible,” he said. “When you leave the county, you know it.”

The engineer’s office has also been keeping up with advancements in technology, such as sharing information in an online format.

When Cattell retired earlier this year, it was suddenly Haupt’s turn to serve, he said.

The work in Geauga is a lot more personal than on the interstate because on the interstate, customers fly by, while in Geauga, you’re in someone’s front yard and might later run into them in the store, Haupt said.

An Eye to the Future

While the general public may be aware of his office’ responsibilities regarding snow/ice removal and road maintenance, most are unaware of its surveying role, Haupt said.

“That’s not a real well known fact that the tax map office, we are responsible for,” he said, explaining how the engineer’s office will review surveys done by private surveyors to make sure they’re meeting a standard.

No matter the project, there will always be a survey involved, he said.

Haupt’s goal as county engineer is to maintain the excellence his department has already achieved while continuing to evolve.

“Our website has been developing for quite some time and there’s some pretty impressive things on there that were never there (before) that are being used by many different people. Genealogists, just historical records kind of a thing,” he said.

Haupt also enjoys researching and developing technology and techniques for longer-lasting roads and bridges, he said, adding his office continues to keep an eye on those advancements.

Building Personal Bridges

While Haupt has been involved in a large and varied number of projects across his career, it is the relationships he’s built over the years that stand out, he said.

“I still see these people and they still remember me,” Haupt said. “The personal bridges I’ve built, they last forever. All the other physical ones, they’ve probably been repaved or repainted by now, some are over 20, 30 years old.”

Being in public service versus the private sector is a choice, Haupt said, adding public servants are there to help people, not to get rich.

“You’re part of something bigger. You’re taking care of your county, your home, your backyard, your neighbors, your family, your friends,” he said. “What we do here affects everybody that we know.”

He advises any newcomers to the field to consider the long game.

“(Public service) not for everybody, but you’re part of something bigger,” he said. “You make a difference.”

Department) and is going to bring in a lot of experience,” says Chief Craig Young.

Haupt

GGP Celebrates Progress, Plans Future

Mercury Plastics, Ed Babcock Recognized

By ann WiShaRt ann@kaRlovecmedia com

More than 200 Geauga County businesspeople and officials sat down together for an early breakfast and to hear the director of the Ohio Department of Development speak at the 15th annual Geauga Growth Partnership business meeting March 19.

Nearly every seat was filled at the Generations Event Center in Chester Township when Lydia Mihalik took the podium, declaring her department supports small business and wants to help all organizations create new jobs and retain valued workers.

She cited two local businesses who have benefited from ODD’s assistance.

“Across Ohio, we are making sure businesses have the tools and resources they need,” Mihalik said, adding the department provides a lot of small business loans.

“Whether you run a diner or a tech startup, we’re here to help you grow,” she said.

That includes developing pathways to employment through programs like that of GGP — where students are exposed to many opportunities in the workplace — and building a pipeline to grow a skilled workforce, she said.

“It’s not just about filling jobs, it's about changing lives and giving every Ohioan a chance to meet their dreams,” Mihalik said. “We are your partners. We want to work with you.”

GGP’s five-year strategic plan, introduced by Angela Spalsbury, Kent State University Geauga dean and a member of the GGP preparation committee, outlined a vision for Geauga County as a hub for advanced manufacturing, education and sustainable growth.

Key priorities include establishing a business innovation hub to foster entrepreneurship and accelerate business growth, expanding career pathways and workforce training, investing in critical infrastructure improvements to support local businesses, addressing workforce skill gaps and enhancing talent retention, and strengthening organizational sustainability through diversified funding and philanthropy efforts.

Infrastructure improvement, including electricity, broadband, housing and transportation, will support community growth and industrial development, Spalsbury said.

That plan builds on the successes GGP saw in 2024, said Kimm Leininger, organiza tion CEO and president.

“We’re doing exactly what we set out to do 15 years ago,” she said. “Things get done by a team of people.”

Last calendar year, the GGP hosted 199 events, engaged 3,224 individuals through its programming and partnered with TeamNEO and the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network to advance on its goals, Leininger said, emphasizing its growing influence on local businesses and workforce development.

“I have witnessed employees advancing into new roles, business owners reclaiming their time and passion for their work and companies expanding in ways they never imagined,” she said.

Business retention and expansion remain a top priority, ensuring local companies stay connected to the resources they need to grow and thrive, and being committed to offering innovative programs to keep members informed on critical industry trends and economic opportunities, Leininger said.

GGP and the MAGNET honored Mercury Plastics LLC with the excellence in manufacturing award, recognizing its contributions to innovation and industry leadership in Northeast Ohio.

Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Middlefield, Mercury Plastics specializes in thermoplastics solutions for industries such as automotive, medical, plumbing and construction, according to a video shown during the awards ceremony.

Since its acquisition by Masco Corporation in 2017, the company has expanded operations across three advanced manufacturing facilities, housing two of the largest electron beams in North America to drive material science advancements.

“This award recognizes Mercury Plastics’ commitment to innovation, precision and continuous improvement,” Leininger said. “Their cutting-edge technology and workforce investment strengthen both our local and regional economies.”

Christian Klein, GGP board member and managing partner at Company 119, presented the Frank Samuel Distinguished Service Award to Ed Babcock, owner of Junction Auto Family, for his exceptional leadership and

trip to the Great Lakes Cheese facility.

“Youngsters’ enthusiasm starts at a very young age. You can’t just start talking to kids (about career choices) when they are 18 years old. You’ve got to start when they are younger so they can appreciate things they see as they grow,” Epprecht said. “Figure out ways to open up your organizations so you

ment of Development, speaks at the Geauga Growth Partnership’s 15th annual meeting March 19 about how the ODD can assist GGP to fulfill its five-year strategic plan.

can work with local school districts and bring some of those kids into your facility. It will pay dividends in the future. It’s a lot of fun — and your employees will love it.”

industry leadership in Northeast Ohio.

Toddlers Tap into Dolly Parton’s Passion

By ann WiShaRt ann@kaRlovecmedia com

Nurturing young children through reading is a personal passion for singer and songwriter Dolly Parton.

Thirty years ago, the famous Country Western musician, motivated by her father’s inability to read, started a program in her corner of Tennessee to mail age-appropriate books to children up to five years old.

That program – known today as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – is alive and well across the globe through myriad partnerships with local libraries, schools and organizations, and has gifted more than 270 million colorful books to more than three million children ages 0 to 5, according to DPIL’s website.

Locally, DPIL of Ohio partners with the Geauga County Public Library, Geauga Public Health, Geauga County Job and Family Services, and daycares and childhood centers to provide age-appropriate books for families with babies and toddlers.

Hospital staff in English-speaking countries all over the world help new mothers register their newborns and librarians spread the word to mothers of pre-kindergarten children to sign up so their children will receive a book in the mail every month, according to DPIL.

Parents can share the gift of reading with their babies and toddlers, said Catherine Sulecki, state director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, during a recent phone interview.

Ten of the books received each year are in English and two are bilingual Spanish and English because some research shows exposing a child to different languages at an early age is beneficial, she said. Parents can request all 12 books in Spanish, as well.

“A child’s brain can easily pick up a second language more easily than an adult,” Sulecki said, adding parents can learn Spanish along with their children through Parton’s books.

DPIL of Ohio is funded by the Dollywood Foundation. Support for the program also comes from the Ohio General Assembly, which includes funds biannually to cover 50% of the cost of each $2.60 book in all 88 counties, she said.

About 75 local program partners provide

the remaining $1.30 per book in their areas, Sulecki said.

“Most of our local partners include United Way, public libraries, community foundations and a handful of children’s hospitals,” she said. “Our local partners touch families in lots of different ways.”

School districts are also involved. Although kids age out when they turn 5, many are still eligible when they are in a preschool program and parents are encouraged to register for the free books, Sulecki said.

“Lots of Amish families receive books,” she said. “They don’t use the website to sign up, so we do a lot of work on paper enrollment forms. The application is really simple and we try to alleviate their concerns. We only use the information they give us to mail the books.”

Geauga County has 2,818 children between 0 and 5 years old enrolled in the program, approximately 57% of those eligible, she said.

On March 19, Melissa Timko, regional director of DPIL of Ohio, visited the Bainbridge branch of the Geauga County Public Library to connect with Alice Munn, co-chair of the Geauga County Library Foundation.

Storytime was in full swing that morning with about a dozen babies and toddlers enjoying a book read by Abigail Scibiur, youth services assistant at the branch.

Scibuir engaged the toddlers while reading a book and leading exercises with bright scarves and floating bubbles.

As the children danced to music, Munn credited the library’s partners in their efforts to advance literacy for the youngest in the county.

“We could not do this without state funding,” she said, noting the foundation also helps pay for the books and the postage to get them to the many households in the county.

The nonprofit has come a long way from East Tennessee, Parton said on the DPIL Foundation website.

She recalled the first book a family member read to her – “The Little Engine that Could” – and how it motivated her to keep pursuing her career and her nickname, “The Book Lady.”

With the support of Gov. Mike DeWine, the DPIL was rolled out in Ohio two years

ago, Parton said on the site, predicting it would be a huge success here as it has been in other locations.

She recalled her father’s embarrassment over not being able to read and how it limited his life, as well as how proud he was to be part of the free book program.

However, the excitement a child feels

when a book comes in the mail every month is Parton’s joy, she said on the foundation website.

“They’re going to take it back to the house and make someone read it to them,” Parton said. “If you can read, you can educate yourself. The earlier you can state, the better off you are.”

ANN WISHART/KMG

Storytime at the Geauga County Public Library Bainbridge branch is well attended March 19 by the under-5 crowd and their mothers and grandmothers. Many of them receive free books from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library every month. Pictured are Bainbridge residents Kelly Repasky and her daughter, Navy, 20 months old, left, and Kaylee Rodriguez with her daughter Maria, also 20 months old.

Vacant House Caves In

By emma macniven macniven@kaRlovecmedia com

A home in the Hemlock Hills neighborhood in Russell Township collapsed last month and trustees are rushing to have the property demolished due to safety concerns.

The home, at 8460 Ridgewood Lane, has been vacant, said Russell Township Trustee Kristina Port.

“The person who owns the home had died probably four years, five years ago, so that's why the house was empty. Someone had paid the real estate taxes on it, but he lives out of state, so they couldn't get him to do the probate,” Port said in a March 21 follow-up interview.

Trustee Jim Mueller stressed the safety hazards of an abandoned building.

“We don't know what the cause of — why it partially collapsed or totally collapsed, but obviously, it represents a health hazard to the community,” Mueller said in a March 24 phone interview.

Residents from the Hemlock Homeowners Association came to the March 20 trustees meeting to ask what steps could be taken as a township.

Port said she reassured residents they contacted utility companies, the Russell Township Fire Department, zoning department and Geauga Public Health.

Eventually, trustees hope to tear the property down.

“We don't want to wait around. We think this is an emergency and so, we're going to probably pass a resolution declaring it a hazard and an emergency,” Mueller said March 24.

He said they want to take care of it as fast as possible.

“It will probably be an attractive thing for kids to play with or play in, so we're going to try and get it down as fast as we can and take care of the situation,” he said.

In other business, trustees officially decided to have voting for the primary election at the township town hall May 6 due to ongoing delays with opening the new community room.

“The fire panel didn't pass the inspection for the fire, so that has to be redone. And then again, that's going to be scheduled (for the) first week of April,” Port said.

In addition, the sound baffling issues in the new building won’t be completed until the first week of April, Port said.

Thomas Ryan, an acoustic engineer from Technological Design Studios, of Maryland, is scheduled to help mitigate the echoing.

A home at 8460 Ridgewood Lane in the Hemlock Hills neighborhood caves in last month due to inactivity. Russell Township officials are working to have the home demolished.

Russell Township

‘By Jeeves’ Showing at Community Theater April 4-6

Staff RepoRt

After 20 years of bringing the commu nity together to produce plays, Thompson Square Community Theater is finally jumping into musical theater with a hilarious comedy from Andrew Lloyd Webber rarely seen in the United States.

“By Jeeves” was a bucket list show for the theater’s first musical and is a great starting point for actors or audience members trying musical theater for the first time, as well as a great comedic challenge for their seasoned performers, said Nadia Wheeler, president of the nonprofit theater in a press release.

Performances will take place at 7 p.m. April 4, 5 and 6 at Thompson Church on the Square, 6645 Madison Road in Thompson Township.

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased online, but since TSCT is committed to offer ing theater to the widest possible audience, there are multiple ticketing options, including pay/donate what you can, Wheeler said.

The actors will present “By Jeeves” with book and lyrics by Alan Ayckbourn, based on the “Jeeves” stories by P.G. Wodehouse.

In this comedy, the almost superhuman Jeeves comes to the rescue of his hapless employer, Bertie Wooster, as well as a zany cast of friends and enemies.

“The musical boasts a score by the hit maker, Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ and other musical theater favorites.

community. Their repertoire of plays has included literary adaptations, an episode of Star Trek onstage, original scripts, variety shows, Shakespeare and more.

TSCT is a 501c3 community theater organization started in 2004 and is made up of participants from all over Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula counties, and sometimes farther.

“All shows are family friendly and a great way to support the arts,” Wheeler said.

Visit https://bit.ly/tsctjeeves to buy tickets online.

Middlefield Care Center Celebrates 5,000th Birth

By caRol counSelman

While there is much to celebrate on any given day, we are especially thankful to God for blessing the Middlefield Care Center in so many ways.

This year marks several milestone events, thus speaking to the sustaining power of continued community support. A sincere thank you to all our faithful supporters over the years.

On Jan. 14, we saw the safe delivery and arrival of our 5000th baby. A son, Joshua, was welcomed by his parents, Daniel and Laurie Ann Gingerich, and siblings Kenny and Emily, along with angel baby Marcia, who welcomed him from Heaven.

According to a recent interview with his mother, Joshua is starting to recognize family

members and is the happiest when he is getting lots of attention.

Established as a not-for-profit charitable organization, this year also marks the 35th year of the care center opening its doors with the first patient admitted in June 1990; it was the first licensed birth center in Ohio and serves as a model for other freestanding birth centers.

Serving the Amish families of Northeast Ohio and surrounding areas, Middlefield Care Center continues to live out its mission today: “To help the community and assist our families to have healthy babies at the lowest affordable cost in a pleasant and comfortable setting with a high degree of safety for the mother and child.”

Carol Counselman is the Director of Nursing at Middlefield Care Center.

New Committee Addresses County Overdoses, Suicides

By alliSon WilSon WilSon@kaRlovecmedia com

Geauga County Commissioners recently extended their full support in addressing and preventing overdose and suicide fatalities in the county.

They unanimously voted in favor of establishing an overdose and suicide fatality review committee March 18.

“This initiative, authorized under Ohio law, aims to bring together public health officials, mental health professionals, law enforcement and community leaders to analyze overdose and suicide deaths, identify systemic gaps and implement data-driven prevention strategies,” commissioners said in a press release last Tuesday.

While such a committee has been proposed in the past, previous plans fizzled out, Commissioner Carolyn Brakey said.

“A lot of this is looking at trend lines for suicide and drug overdose,” Geauga County Health Administrator Adam Litke explained at the meeting. “In Geauga right now, roughly, drug overdoses are a little less than 15 per 100,000 (people) per year and suicides are a little more than 12 per 100,0000.”

The review committee will comprise volunteers and involve groups such as the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, Geauga County Coroner’s Office and Geauga County Board of Health working together to look for concerning trends, Litke said.

“And then we can look at education, we can look at trying to help with the sheriff’s office, is there certain areas we’re seeing this in,” he said. “It’s kind of a volunteer effort to help the community if we see something that can be listed as concerning in that aspect.”

The committee will be integral in preventing deaths, said Christine Lakomiak, executive director of the Geauga County Board of

Mental Health and Recovery Services, in a press release.

“Drug overdose and suicide fatality review boards are crucial to developing a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding a death and developing recommendations to prevent similar deaths,” she said. “The interagency partnerships will lead to opportunities to enhance life-saving services and outreach in our community.”

The board will have various statutory appointments, including a law enforcement representative, public health official, the executive director of the mental health board and a licensed physician, Brakey said last Tuesday.

The information the board analyzes can potentially be used to enhance lifesaving services, mental health board Treasurer Jim Mausser added.

“We have great services in Geauga County as it stands, and this is just something that would enhance what we are doing and bring community leaders together,” mental health board member Kathy Johnson said. “So, it would be a collaborative in the county to look at these (deaths.)”

Brakey noted the board also looks at demographics and then uses the different stakeholders to target at-risk populations.

There are real people behind the statistics who are somebody’s family or neighbor, she added.

“They’re more than just numbers, they’re lives that matter, and I hope this committee would be able to identify needs and work together and perhaps give some hope to the people that feel hopeless in our county,” she said.

Commissioner Jim Dvorak asked if boards like this are common across the state.

Litke confirmed many counties are in the process of creating them.

Antoinette F. Roll

Antoinette F. Roll, age 89, peace fully passed away on March 21, 2025, at Mapleview Country Villa in Chardon.

Born on May 20, 1935, in Cleveland, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

A woman of deep faith, Antoinette gave her life to the Lord and always trusted His plan. She had a lifelong devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary and believed in advocating for the innocent, especially children and animals.

stant source of joy in his life.

She had a special love for birds and found joy in simple pleasures like music, movies and laughter. Antoinette also valued hard work and always made sure to follow through on what she started.

Above all, Antoinette was a selfless and loving mother and grandmother. Her love for her family knew no bounds and she gave of herself freely to care for those she loved.

She was also known for her exceptional Slovenian cooking, often preparing meals that brought comfort and joy to everyone around her. Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda Ann (Jim) Rose and Laura Ann Kinney; granddaughter, Megan Justine Kinney; grandson, Ryan James Rose; and great-grandson, Ryson Rose.

Antoinette will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at St. Mary Church, 401 North St., Chardon.

May she rest in peace, reunited with her loved ones who went before her. Although she is no longer with us, Antoinette will forever remain in our hearts.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.

Larry Martin Luoma, age 70, of Huntsburg Township, passed away on March 19, 2025.

He was born on Feb. 10, 1955, at Corey Hospital in Chardon, to Wayne and Coralyn (nee Sawyer) Luoma.

Larry earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Milligan College in Johnson City, Tenn.

On Aug. 14, 1982, he married his beloved wife, Amanda Kingery, and together they built a home filled with love, commitment and family values.

Larry and Amanda spent over 30 years in Jonesborough, Tenn., where they raised their family. He was a dedicated father who poured his heart into supporting his four sons, and his nine grandchildren were a con-

Obituaries

With a career spanning over 44 years in materials management, Larry worked for Burton Rubber and HEXPOL Compounding. His work took him across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Belgium, where he played a crucial role in establishing four different Greenfield Operations.

Beyond his professional and family life, Larry had a passion for golf, horseshoes and softball, enjoying every moment spent on the field or course with friends and loved ones.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Amanda Luoma; sons, Josh Toth, of Tennessee, Josh (Lauren) Luoma, of Newbury Township, Jared Luoma, of Burton, and Wade (Jeanette) Luoma, of California; cherished grandchildren, Madeline, Lulu, Shayne, Neilo, Coralyn, Kylie, Lucus, Waylon and Rosalyn; mother, Coralyn Luoma; brothers, Wayne, Jr. (Georgia) Luoma, of Burton, and Glenn Luoma, of Burton; and sister, Marie (Dennis) Wilmont, of Claridon Township.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Luoma Sr.

Larry’s family would like to thank special nurses Mimi and Edyta at Seidman Cancer Center for their special care given to Larry during his courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Larry’s life will be held March 24, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.

Larry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com

Dale Henry Mathews

Mathews, of Hamb den Township, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Mapleview Country Villa nursing home in Chardon.

1941, at St. Ann’s Hospital, Cleveland, Dale was the only child of Henry Stanley and Jean (nee Dippel) Mathews.

father, Henry, how to use tools to repair and construct things.

rensville High School, where he graduated in June of 1959. He earned a Bachelor of Sci ence degree from Ohio University. He subse quently moved to Traverse City, Mich., where he was married to Lynn Westerberg and had two daughters, Alysia and Beth.

Dale had a wide range of talents and interests:

• General contractor of his home in Hambden Township, including installation of plumbing and electrical lines.

• Member of a train club that met monthly at members’ homes to run trains in their layouts and to talk trains.

• Driver of #88 midget car at fairgrounds as a member of a midget car club.

• Hunter of small game and collector of guns.

• Possessor of a pilot’s license and pilot of small private planes for the fun of it.

• Collector of model planes, boats and cars.

Dale will be missed by his circle of family, friends and acquaintances, but especially his family.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and her son Jim (Jodi) Moll, grandchildren Alexandria, Matthew and Michael; her son Brent (Heather) Moll, grandchildren Nathaniel, Cora and Brady; her daughter, Rebecca Robich, grandchildren McIntyre and Alexander. Dale’s cousin, Pat Cermak, was like a sister to him.

From Dale’s first marriage, Dale is survived by his daughter Alysia (Don) Broadfield, grandchildren Josh, Nate and Gwyneth; and daughter Beth (James) Bradshaw.

A gathering for friends and family will be held April 3, 2025, from 6-8 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com. The obituary was lovingly written by his wife, Elizabeth.

Donna Jean Liotta

Donna Jean Liotta (nee Kelley), of Chardon, passed away suddenly March 20, 2025, surrounded by the family she cher-

In Traverse City, Dale was a science teacher and head varsity football and track coach for 15 years. He also managed a regional track meet for the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

After moving back to Ohio, from 19812007, Dale was the purchasing agent of Weldon Tool Company. He last promotion was as president of Weldon Pump Company.

After retirement, Dale worked several part-time jobs transporting Amish people and performing maintenance at Punderson State Park.

istrative assistant, Donna’s spirit remained unbroken. Her determination, compassion and ability to find humor in any situation were hallmarks of her character. Her priority remained steadfast: caring for those she loved.

Donna’s greatest accomplishment was the loving home she created and the two children she raised. She had a sense of adventure that she passed on to her children. Her legacy is one of unwavering kindness, generosity and an unyielding love for family and friends.

Those remaining to cherish her memory include her devoted husband, Joseph; her daughter, Lisa; her daughter-in-law, Ginamarie; her adored grandchildren, Angela, Giovanna and Luciano; her mother, Elsie; her sister, Alice; and her brother, Jack (Cheryl).

Donna also leaves behind a close-knit and heartbroken extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

She is now reunited in rest with her beloved son, Anthony; her stepfather, Nick; and many other loved ones who preceded her.

The family kindly requests that no flowers or trees be purchased in her honor; they suggest donations be made to A Special Wish Foundation, Inc., Northeast Ohio children’s charity (https://www.aspecialwishneo.org/). Your support and understanding are greatly appreciated during this time.

A Celebration of Life for Donna will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon, followed by a procession to Claridon Center Cemetery. All who wish to pay their respects and share in celebrating her remarkable life are welcome.

Born on Nov. 19, 1957, in Cleveland, to Jack and Elsie Kelley (nee Mauch), Don na lived a life marked by unwavering love, a sharp wit and a resilient spirit.

A 1976 graduate of Eastlake North High School, Donna went on to marry the love of her life, Joseph Liotta, with whom she shared nearly 45 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they raised two children, Anthony Nicholas (Ginamarie, nee Tomasino) and Lisa Marie, who were the pride and joy of her life.

Donna was the heart of her family — a devoted wife, a nurturing mother and a loyal friend. Her love never wavered, no matter the circumstances — a constant source of steady support and boundless love.

Whether cheering from the sidelines of her children’s sporting events or making camper pies around the fire, she was always present, always engaged. Weekends spent camping, tending her yard, reading a book or simply enjoying the company of loved ones were her most treasured moments.

Her sharp, amazing humor and unmatched wit kept everyone entertained and on their toes. Even as life presented her with challenges, including a disability that forced her to step away from her career as an admin-

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com The obituary was lovingly written by the family.

Notices should be sent in writing by the funeral directors and memorial societies to: Geauga County Maple Leaf, P.O. Box 1166, Chardon, OH, 440245166, faxed to 440-285-2015 or emailed to editor@karlovecmedia.com. The Maple Leaf charges a flat fee of $125 per obituary or death notice, including a photograph.

Larry Martin Luoma

Geauga County Boys Volleyball Gets

By alan koRnSpan

SpoRtS@kaRlovecmedia com

As we move from a highly successful win ter sports season for Geauga County athletes, which included two state championships and a final four run, boys volleyball players were the first to officially begin their 2025 Spring season.

Boys Volleyball, a relative newcomer to the Ohio high school sports scene, only be came an officially sanctioned OHSAA varsity sport in 2023.

Since that time, both the Chardon Hill toppers and Berkshire Badgers have had suc cess as they have been two of the top Div. II Boys Volleyball teams in Northeast Ohio.

In fact, over the past two years, the Hill toppers have gone 30-13, and played in two OHSAA Regional Title games.

Similarly, during that same time period, the Badgers went 26-21 and played in the 2023 OHSAA Regional Semifinals.

To get the 2025 season underway on March 14, the Badgers took on the Kenston Bombers Boys Volleyball Team at Kenston High School.

In this opening day match, the Badgers defeated the Bombers in three straight sets,

See Boys Volleyball• Page 15

Platz Nets 10 in Hilltoppers Opening Victory Over Lions

By alan koRnSpan

SpoRtS@kaRlovecmedia com

Over the past three decades, Geauga County Girls Lacrosse programs have had a lot success.

In fact, area teams have been successfully competing in Div. II statewide tournaments since 2005.

And since the 2016-2017 school year, Girls Lacrosse has been an officially sanctioned OHSAA varsity sport leading to the recent additions of varsity girls lacrosse programs in Geauga County.

Currently, six Geauga County schools have varsity programs: Chagrin Falls, Chardon, Hawken, Kenston, NDCL and West Geauga.

Tops among Geauga County Girls Lacrosse programs over the past three decades has been the Chagrin Falls Tigers who have finished as state runners up eight times (2007, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022) and made the Final Four in 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Along with the Tigers success, the Chardon Hilltoppers Girls Lacrosse Team has recently emerged as one of their top rivals.

In 2023, the Hilltoppers made their first ever OHSAA Regional Title game, and then

followed that up with a trip to the OHSAA Regional Semifinals in 2024.

Going 55-20 over the past four years un der the leadership of Coach Alison Platz and returning her senior daughter, NCAA Div. I Mercyhurst commit Payton Platz, the Hilltop pers certainly have every reason to be opti mistic as the 2025 season begins.

The Hilltoppers’ 17-7 opening day victory on March 21 over the NDCL Lions at Lions Stadium at Lozick Field, showcased the su perb talent of the Hilltoppers’ Payton Platz as she took over the match in the final 16 minutes.

For most of the contest between the Hill toppers and Lions, it was a back and forth game of runs.

Although the Lions Girls Lacrosse team is coming off a challenging 2024 season in which they went 5-11, they are now led by one of the area's top coaches, Pamela Malone.

Malone won two state championships as a soccer coach at Chagrin Falls and also led the Tigers Girls Lacrosse Team for three years. In addition, Malone is a certified coach trainer for the Positive Coaching Alliance.

in the Hilltoppers’ 17-7 opening win against rival Notre Dame-Cathedral

With Platz and Malone on the sidelines leading their teams in the season opener, the first quarter was a low scoring defensive battle with the Hilltoppers taking an early 1-0 lead.

The Hilltoppers then quickly went up 2-0 just 33 seconds into the second quarter when sophomore Riley McKenna found the back of the net.

However, in the remaining minutes of the second quarter, Platz scored two and McKenna added one to give the Hilltoppers a 5-2

See Girls Lacrosse• Page 15

But the Lions were not deterred as sophomore Elizabeth Keefe and senior Catherine Melin netted goals to even the game at 2-2 with 8:03 left in the first half.

Berkshire senior middle hitter Tony Masters attacks during the Badgers’ 3-2 loss to Mayfield in the boys volleyball home opener.

Latin.

Chardon Hires Two New Coaches to Major Programs

By Jamie WaRd Jamie@kaRlovecmedia com

Major changes continue with the Char don athletic programs. Leadership of the pro gram as a whole will change when Athletic Director Doug Snyder retires at the end of the school year.

Chardon will compete in the Chagrin Val ley Conference again with the slow disbandment of the Western Reserve Conference.

And the community received a jolt when Mitch Hewitt stepped down as the longtime leader of the Hilltoppers' football program.

Now the varsity boys basketball program and varsity girls volleyball program will have new faces during the 2025-26 school year.

Shane Quin, a 2017 Chardon graduate and current assistant coach, has been named the varsity boys basketball coach, stewarding a program he once led as a senior in 2016.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead my alma mater here at Chardon,” Quin said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to building on the foundation Coach Murawski has established.”

Murawski stepped down in February after taking another teaching job at Orange High School. Murawski coached nine seasons as Chardon's head basketball coach.

Boys Volleyball

from page 14

25-21, 25-6, and 25-16.

Badgers senior setter Ryan Kessinger said that the team played well as they are getting acclimated back into the competitive game environment.

“Kenston was a really good (match) for us,” said Kessinger. “We were working on our stuff, working on our craft (against the Bombers). We got a lot of people coming back, didn't lose anyone, so we are just trying to carry it forward from last season to this one.”

As the Badgers focused on teamwork and perfecting the technical and strategic elements of their game, Berkshire Head Coach Tim Percic was pleased with what he observed.

“Our guys, when they gel, are a lot more formidable than they were in years past,” Coach Percic said.

After defeating the Bombers, the Badgers held their own in an extremely close 3-2 defeat

Girls Lacrosse

from page 14

lead heading into intermission.

After halftime, just when it seemed like the Hilltoppers had regained the momentum and an insurmountable lead, the Lions kept fighting back.

Over the first 8:12 of the third period the Lions outscored the Hilltoppers 4-2.

Grace Hinkel (2 goals), a Mars Hill University commit, Maggie Kane, and Ava Abounader netted goals to help the Lions to get within one goal of the Hilltoppers at 7-6 with 3:48 left in the third quarter.

It was at this point that Payton Platz, took over the game.

Over the next 9:48 of game time, Platz was virtually unstoppable finding the back of

Quin, a social studies teacher at the high school, recently bought a home in Chardon off of the Square.

“As a coaching staff we plan to instill values, tradition, and excellence that will define this program,” he said. “Our goal is to develop a team that plays with passion, represents this great community with pride, and strives for success both on and off the court.”

After playing football with the Hilltoppers, Quin played at Ohio Wesleyan University, where he graduated in 2022 with an education degree.

Chardon High School Principal Adam Tomco welcomed Quin to the new position.

“Shane possesses the essential qualities of a successful coach,” Chardon High School Principal Adam Tomco said in a statement. “He has a remarkable ability to connect with student-athletes, fostering a positive and supportive environment.”

to the Mayfield Wildcats in their home opener at Berkshire High School on March 20.

Although it was tough to lose a five game match to a strong Wildcats team, senior Jake Starr said that the key is to rebound effectively from adversity.

“At the end of the day, you just have to forget because there is nothing you can do about the past,” Starr said.

Starr emphasized an important mantra that he focuses on throughout each game.

“Next play, rip it,” said Starr.

With a positive mentality and a talented, experienced team returning, Coach Percic has reason to be excited about Badgers Boys Volleyball.

“I am excited about what the future has (in store for Badgers Boys Volleyball),” Percic said.

Coach Percic noted that helping to lead the Badgers this season will be senior setter Ryan Kessinger, and middle hitters, sophomore Maddox Fuentes and senior Tony Masters.

“Without a doubt, our setter Ryan Kessinger is an all star,” said Percic. “(Against the Wildcats), he laid out for a couple of digs,

the net seven times and putting the game out of reach for the Lions.

Payton Platz credited her teammates and the energy on the sidelines with the end of the game dominance shown by the Hilltoppers.

“The energy on the sideline is just something that I feel like just helps push us to be like ‘okay we're still in this, we got this,” Payton Platz said.

In reflecting upon the opening day victory, Coach Platz was impressed with the improvement the Lions have made in just one year.

“NDCL has significantly improved since last year, they’re a much different team, a much more aggressive team and I think it may have caught us by surprise,” Coach Platz said.

Coach Platz also discussed Payton's amazing performance, and in particular what she believed allowed Payton to have such great offensive success.

Tomco said Quin will set high expectations, pushing athletes to reach their full potential.

“Shane was the ultimate competitor and ultimate teammate as a player and will embody those same qualities as a head coach,” said Athletic Director Doug Snyder. “He is a relationship builder and astudent of both excellence in coaching and the game of basketball. He will be a very successful head coach.”

New Volleyball Coach

Chardon has named Vance Kalingo, the current varsity boys volleyball coach, the new head girls varsity volleyball coach.

With a strong background in both indoor and beach volleyball, Coach Kalingo brings a wealth of experience, a passion for the sport and a commitment to excellence.

Before joining Chardon, Kalingo coached five years of club volleyball in the Pacific Northwest at Washington Volleyball Academy and spent three seasons at Bellevue High School in Washington, including two years as varsity head coach.

In his two seasons as head coach, he led Bellevue to back-to-back conference championships, completing their best finish in school history, clinching a 2nd state tourna-

which are not setting things, and then also made some amazing sets throughout.”

The coach continued: “And I am really looking forward to watching him gel with our middles, Tony Masters and Maddox Fuentes and to see how much more dominant those guys can be in the middle which would be a really cool thing to watch.”

On the outside, Percic said the Badgers will look to seniors Jake Starr and Mario Romagni to play a big role.

“(Against Mayfield), they were getting it done throughout the match hitting some really nice shots for us,” said Percic.

In addition to their exceptional setter, and middle and outside hitters, the Badgers also return senior libero Trent Hornak who

She noted that Payton was very patient in allowing opportunities to open up on the field of play in order to aggressively make runs toward the goal.

“(Payton) was a lot more patient in terms of her drive, in creating her own spacing on the drive, versus waiting for someone else to do it for her,” said Coach Platz.

Coach Platz said that being aggressive and driving to the goal to take shots on net is the next step in Payton's development.

ment bid and placing 6th overall at the state tournament.

Tomco said Kalingo brings a wealth of volleyball experience to the Chardon program.

“He has quickly become an integral part of our Chardon community, having served as a volunteer assistant coach for both our boys' and girls' volleyball teams, as well as our football program,” Tomco said. “His calm, confident, and supportive coaching demeanor is a significant asset, fostering an environment where athletes can thrive.”

Vance said Ohio is one of the toughest volleyball states in the nation, and said it was an honor to be given the chance to restore Chardon to a perennially strong program.

“I look forward to getting to know the team and the parents, working together to build a legacy and instill new winning traditions,” Kalingo said.

“Vance is a great fit as our head girls volleyball coach,” said Athletic Director Doug Snyder. “His previous head coaching experience, his knowledge of and passion for the game of volleyball, and his ability to create relationships will provide the Hilltoppers Girls Volleyball program with the stability we need.”

Kalingo is also the Chardon Boys Head Volleyball coach and will lead the Hilltoppers during the spring 2025 season.

was All-Ohio Honorable Mention last season.

“Hornak is a terrific player, great server, and an all-around great teammate,” said Coach Percic.

The Chardon Hilltoppers Boys Volleyball team who will open their season when they host the Badgers on April 1, will also look to continue their recent success.

The Hilltoppers will be led by first year head coach Vance Kalingo who previously served as a volunteer assistant coach.

Leading the Hilltoppers on the court this year will be junior captain Ian Galati who was All-Ohio Honorable Mention in 2024.

Galati, an outside hitter, had a great 2024 season amassing 222 kills.

“The way her game has developed, this is the next step for her, I was very proud of her,” said Coach Platz.

In addition to Payton Platz's dominant offensive performance, the Hilltoppers were also led offensively by junior Kaelyn Cardina (3 goals), McKenna (2) and senior Morgan Slack (2).

Leading the Lions offensively was Abounader (2 goals), Hinkel (2), Kane (1), Keefe (1), and Melin (1).

Quin Kalingo

Bulletin Board

For-profit and nonprofit organizations or groups will need to purchase a paid advertisement for an event anytime tickets are sold, a fee is charged or a freewill donation is taken. If an organization or group does not wish to buy an ad to promote their event and connect with our readers, Karlovec Media Group will print a simple liner-type ad identifying the event, date/time/place and a number to call for more information. Email submissions to: cbb@karlovecmedia.com

Geauga Home & Garden Show

March 28 and 29

The 18th annual home and garden show takes place at two locations in Middlefield: Heritage Marketplace, 15848 Nauvoo Road and Fisher Flooring, 16286 Nauvoo Road. Showtimes are Friday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Discover fresh ideas, meet local experts and shop from more than 120 regional vendors offering everything needed for home, garden and outdoor spaces.

For information, call 440-477-1058.

Gardening 101

March 29, 10 a.m. to noon

Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers’ free Gardening 101 series continues with “Seed Selection and Planting Plan” in the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton. Master gardener MGV Kelly Morgan will cover the basics of selecting and starting seeds, what works best directly planted in the garden and when to start planting.

Registration is required; call 440-8344656. For more information, visit geauga. osu.edu.

Haydn Cello Concerto

March 30, 4 p.m.

Snowbelt Symphony Orchestra presents Haydn's virtuosic “Cello Concerto No. 2” featuring principal cellist Nataliya Pshenychna and conductor Greg Hillis at New Promise Church, 8671 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. For information, call 440-2969610 or visit snowbeltmusical.org.

GEL Breakfast

April 4, 8-10 a.m.

Attorney Elizabeth A. Crosby will present “Getting Legal Understanding and Complying With Workplace Laws” at the next Geauga Economic Leadership (G.E.L.) breakfast at Kent State Geauga, 14111 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton Breakfast and networking begin at 8, followed by the presentation at 8:30 a.m. Crosby will be available for consultation after the event.

For information or to register, call 440564-1060 or email info@geaugagrowth. com.

The program is sponsored by OhioMeansJobs-Geauga County, Geauga Growth Partnership and Kent State Geauga.

Kindness Sewing Circle

April 4, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

NPower Services hosts a Kindness Sewing Circle at Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road in Chardon. The monthly gathering is open to people of all abilities and provides a creative space for participants to craft fabric projects that benefit others in need.

In collaboration with Sew4Service and Celebration Lutheran, the free event will take place on the first Friday of each month through May 2.

Anyone interested in participating may email Anne Marie Wolfe at AnneMarie@ NPowerServices.com or register online at www.npowerservices.com.

Young of Heart

April 4, 11:30 a.m.

Geauga Young of Heart will meet at St. Anselm Church in Chester Township. Bring a brown bag lunch. Snacks and beverages are provided. Kristen and Darren Lambert, with full headbands, will entertain the group with many novelty songs. There will be no meeting on April 18 since it is Good Friday.

A bus trip has been planned to Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca, N.Y., on April 29. For reservations, call Kit at 216543-4442.

Meet Us In The Garden

April 5, 10 a.m.

The OSU Lake County Master Gardener Volunteers host their first Meet Us in the Garden talk of 2025 at the Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave.

Join for “The Varied and Beautiful Landscapes of Japan,” a guided virtual tour.

The session is free, but registration is required. Visit mentorpl.org or call 440255-8811. Call the helpline at 440-8532625 with any gardening questions.

Museum Celebrates 100 Years

April 5 and 6

The Cleveland & Easter Interurban Historical Society and Museum hosts “A Legacy of 100 Years Ago” at the Chesterland Historical Foundation in Chester Township.

The members-only event is April 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Email scottstasa@gmail.com by March 29 to RSVP. An open house will be held April 6 from 1-4 p.m.

In addition, Geauga Park District will hold a history hike on April 5 from 9-11 a.m. at the Rookery in Munson Township.

Abundant Life Ministry

March 29, 7 a.m. to noon

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancake breakfastwith real maple syrup at Abundant Life Ministry Center, 13724 Carlton St. in Burton.

There will be three varieties of pancakes along with sausage for $10. Check out the book sale with elementary library books and desks.

American Legion Pancakes

Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

American Legion Post 459 is serving its annual all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfasts every Sunday through April 6 at the post located at 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton.

Berkshire Athletic Boosters

March 30, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Berkshire Athletic Boosters host an allyou-can-eat pancake breakfast in the Berkshire High School cafeteria, 14155 Claridon Troy Road in Burton.

Burton Fire Station

March 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Burton Fire Station will serve an all-youcan-eat pancake and sausage breakfast at the

station located at 13828 Spring St. in Burton. call 440-834-4416 for information.

Chardon VFW Pancake Breakfasts

March 30, 8 a.m. to noon

Chardon VFW Post 6519 is serving its annual pancake breakfasts at the post located at 752 Water St. in Chardon. Breakfast features three flavors of pancakes, French toast, eggs made to order, home fries, sausage, bacon, ham and toast. Call 440-285-3699 for takeout orders.

Geauga Historical Society

March 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Geauga County Historical Society is hosting an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at the Century Village Museum, 14653 East Park St. in Burton.

For more information, call 440-834-1492.

Parkman Chamber Pancakes

March 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Parkman Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual pancake and sausage patties breakfast at Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road. Eat-in or drive-through options are available.

Health & Wellness

Bloodmobile

American Red Cross urges people to make and keep appointments to help avoid a blood shortage.

Donation appointments may be made by downloading the free Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-7332767.

March 28, Lord of Life Church, 17989 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge Township, 12-6 p.m. April 1, Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Bainbridge Township, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 2, Geauga Library Administration, 12701 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

April 3, Centerville Mills, 8558 Crackel Road, Bainbridge Township, 12-6 p.m.

Hambden

April 21-23

April 3, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, 13207 Ravenna Road, Claridon Township, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 8, Adam Hall, 11455 E. Washington St., Auburn Township, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 8, Centerville Mills, 8558 Crackel Road, Bainbridge Township, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Chagrin Valley Jaycees. April 9, Geauga YMCA, 12460 Bass Lake Road, Munson Township, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11, Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, Munson Township, 12-6 p.m. April 15, Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St., Chardon, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 16, Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester Township, 1-6 p.m. April 24, Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield, 12-6 p.m.

Seniors

Senior Trash Pickup

Hambden Township Trustees are joining the Geauga County Department on Aging to offer senior trash pickup days to remove unwanted items from registered seniors’ garages and yards.

Seniors aged 60 and older who wish to receive trash pickup assistance must first register with the department on aging and

complete the trash pickup intake by April 14. Road crew and department on aging staff cannot enter homes. All refuse items should be placed outside the garage or outbuilding, or on the driveway by April 20. Do not leave items curbside. There is a limit of 10 items per household.

For guidelines on what items Hambden will and will not take, or to register, call the department on aging at 440-279-2130.

Legal Notices

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 17-F-000372

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WACHOVIA MORTGAGE FSB, FKA WORLD SAVINGS BANK, FSB, Plaintiff vs. CARYL MAHVI, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Alias Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 24th day of April, 2025, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 8th day of May, 2025 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Russell to wit:

Parcel No. 1

Situated in the Township of Russell, County of Geauga, and State of Ohio: and known as being Sublot No 14 in the Red Raider Trails Subdivision Amended of part of Original Russell Township Lots Nos. 4, 5 and 6, Tract No. 1 and part of Lots Nos. 1, 10 and 11, Tract No. 2, Section No. 14 as shown by the recorded plat in Plat Book 13, Page 47 of Geauga Map Records be the same more or less but subject to all legal highways.

Parcel No. 2

Situated in the Township of Russell, County of Geauga, and State of Ohio: and known as being a parcel of land in the Red Raider Subdivision of Original Russell Township Lots Nos. 4, 5 and 6, Tract No. 1 and part of Lots Nos. 1, 10 and 11, Tract No. 2, Section 11, as shown by the recorded plat in Book 13, Pages 47-50, in the Geauga County Map Records, being further described as follows:

Beginning at the intersection of the Northerly line of Sublot No. 14 with the Easterly line of Shire Court, 60 feet wide;

Thence South 82° 19’ 13” East along said Northerly line, a distance of 424.73 feet to a point;

Thence North 4° 32’ 31” East, a distance of 187.50 feet to a point;

Thence South 89° 16’ 36” West, a distance of 446.84 feet to a point on said Easterly line of Shire Court;

Thence South 5° 3’ 43” East along said along said Easterly line of Shire County, a distance of 125.00 feet to the Place of Beginning and containing 1.5250 Acres of Land as surveyed by Hedrick & Associates, Inc., December 1983, be the same more or less but subject to all legal highways.

Property Address: 14611 Shire Court, Novelty, OH 44072

Prior Deed Reference: Volume 1170 Page 301 re-recorded as Volume 1178 Page 891 Said Premises Located at: 14611 SHIRE COURT, RUSSELL TOWNSHIP, OH. INSIDE APPRAISAL COMPLETED Permanent Parcel Number: 26-195731, 26195732

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover. Said Premises appraised at ($1,300,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($866,667.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio

Paul M. Nalepka, attorney

Mar27Apr3-10, 2025

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate

General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26

Case No. 23-F-000584

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: CITIZENS BANK, N.A., Plaintiff vs. RUBY M. PUGH, ET AL., Defendants In pursuance of an Alias Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 24th day of April, 2025, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without re-

gard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 8th day of May, 2025 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Bainbridge to wit:

Situated in the Township of Bainbridge, County of Geauga and State of Ohio: And known as being Sub-Lot Number Nine (9) in the Beacon Hills Sub-Division of Lots 9 and 16, Tract 3, as the same is platted and recorded in Volume 8, Page 2 of the Geauga County Records of Plats, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.

Said Premises Located at: 8590 BEACON HILL DRIVE, BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, OH.

Permanent Parcel Number: 02-029500

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $5,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover.

Said Premises appraised at ($100,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($66,667.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio

Johna M. Bella, attorney Mar27Apr3-10, 2025

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 24-F-000276

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR DEEPHAVEN RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE TRUST 2020-2, Plaintiff vs. DANIEL G. MARTIN, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Alias Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 24th day of April, 2025, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 8th day of May, 2025 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Huntsburg to wit:

Situated in the Township of Huntsburg, County of Geauga and State of Ohio: Known as being part of Lot No. 61, of said Huntsburg Township and is further bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a nail found in an iron pipe monument found at the intersection of the centerline of Stillwell Road and Princeton Road; Thence South 89° 20’ 40” West along Stillwell Road centerline a distance of 382.40 feet to a point; Thence North 0° 10’ 20” West a distance of 345.00 feet to an iron pin set; Thence North 89° 20’ 00” East, a distance of 384.82 feet to a point in the centerline of Princeton Road, passing through an iron pin set 30 feet therefrom; Thence South 0° 48’ 40” West along Princeton Road, centerline a distance of 98.99 feet to an angle point in said centerline; Thence continuing along Princeton Road centerline South 0° 0’ 13” East a distance of 246.12 feet to the place of beginning and containing 3.0345 acres of land, as surveyed and described by James M. Peter, P.S. 6420 in March 1995. Bearings shown herein are to an assumed meridian and are used to denote angles only, be the same more or less, but subject to all legal highways.

Prior Deed Reference No.: Book OR 1954, Page Number 117 and Instrument Number 201300862102.

Said Premises Located at: 12030 PRINCETON ROAD, HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH.

Permanent Parcel Number: 16-078295

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the

proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover. Said Premises appraised at ($490,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($326,667.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Austin R. Decker, attorney Mar27Apr3-10, 2025

Sheriff’s Sale of Real Estate General Code, Sec. 11661 Revised Code, Sec. 2329.26 Case No. 24-F-000512

The State of Ohio, County of Geauga, ss: THE MIDDLEFIELD BANKING COMPANY, Plaintiff vs. DAVID J. NEMEC, ET AL., Defendants

In pursuance of an Order of Sale in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public auction, at https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov/, on Thursday, the 24th day of April, 2025, at 10:00 o’clock A.M., and if the parcel does not receive a sufficient bid, it shall be offered for sale, without regard to the minimum bid requirement, at the same time of day and at the same place of the first sale, on Thursday, the 8th day of May, 2025 the following described real estate, situated in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio, and in the Township of Newbury to wit:

A copy of the complete legal description can be found in the Geauga County Recorder’s Office, 231 Main Street, Suite 1-C, Chardon, Ohio 44024, OR Volume 1891, Page 2341

SHORT LEGAL

DESCRIPTION: LOT 37 TR 3

Said Premises Located at: 16022 MESSENGER ROAD, NEWBURY TOWNSHIP, OH. Permanent Parcel Number: 23-231001

DEPOSIT: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2329.211, the required deposit for this offering shall be $10,000.00. Said deposit shall be paid by WIRE TRANSFER of ACH DEBIT TRANSFER with https://geauga.sheriffsaleauction. ohio.gov.

The purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to cover. Said Premises appraised at ($250,000.00) and cannot be sold for less than two-thirds of that amount ($166,667.00). Please note: The appraisals are based on an exterior appraisal of property only, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS OF SALE: The FULL purchase price shall be paid to the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of confirmation of sale, and on failure to do so, the purchaser may be held in contempt of court, the court may forfeit the sale and/or deposit, or the court may issue any other order it sees fit.

SCOTT A. HILDENBRAND, Sheriff Geauga County, Ohio Maureen Zink Delaney, attorney Mar27Apr3-10, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Geauga County Historical Society Notice is hereby given to general public that the Geauga County Historical Society, a nonprofit organization, pursuant to Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, and a registered nonprofit organization in the State of Ohio, located in Burton, Geauga County, Ohio, is in possession of items in the collections of the Century Village Museum that were not properly accessioned by, and donated to the Museum during a time period greater than seven (7) years from the date of this notice. These items are, henceforth, the property of the Geauga County Historical Society, and may be used for historical, cultural, or educational purposes. This notice is being issued under provisions of Section 3385.07 of the Ohio Revised Code - the presumption of gifts to a museum. Feb27 Mar6-13-20-27 Apr3, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE VACATION OF THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY UPON SANDHILL TRAIL (TR-0753), IN MUNSON TOWNSHIP, GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

PURSUANT TO R.C. 5553.045

The Geauga County Board of Commissioners (“Board of Commissioners”) received a resolution (#2025-06) on March 3, 2025, filed by the Munson Township Board of Trustees request-

ing the vacation of the public right-of-way upon Sandhill Trail (TR-0753), in Munson Township, Ohio.

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing for the proposed vacation of the public right-of-way on Sandhill Trail (TR-0753), Munson Township, Geauga County, Ohio, the location of which public right-of-way is more particularly described as follows:

Sandhill Trail - extends from Mayfield Road south along a non-existent and never-built culde-sac drafted upon one tract of land composed of a series of parcels, as follows: parcel numbers 21-176303; 21-176304; 21-176305; 21-176306; 21-176307; 21-176308; 21-176309; 21-176310; 21-176311; 21-176312; 21-176313; 21-176314; 21176315; 21-176316; 21-176317; 21-176318; and 21-176319 containing approximately 35 acres of land

The public hearing for the proposed vacation will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 9:45 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Chambers at the Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH 44024, at which time the Board will hear evidence, comments and questions from any interested persons concerning the proposed vacation of said public right-of-way.

BY ORDER OF THE GEAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Christine Blair, Clerk Mar20-27, 2025

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

Case No. 24-F-000797 - NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING; Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, LEGATEE, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, SPOUSES AND ASSIGNS, AND THE UNKNOWN GUARDIANS OF MINOR AND OR INCOMPETENT HEIRS OF DIANE A. ROSS, DECEASED; Defendant(s).

The Court finds that the service of summons cannot be made other than by publication on Defendant(s): UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, LEGATEE, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, SPOUSES AND ASSIGNS, AND THE UNKNOWN GUARDIANS OF MINOR AND OR INCOMPETENT HEIRS OF DIANE A. ROSS, DECEASED, whose last known place of residence is: Address(s) Unknown

Each Defendant will take notice that on December 2, 2024, Plaintiff filed a Complaint for Foreclosure in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, 100 Short Court, Suite 300, Chardon, OH 44024, being 24-F-000797 alleging that there is due to Plaintiff the sum of $126,156.67 plus interest at 3.3750% per annum from June 1, 2024, plus late charges, pre-payment penalties, title charges, court costs and expenses as applicable to the terms of the Promissory Note secured by a mortgage on the real property, which has a street address of 14939 CAVES ROAD, NOVELTY, OH 44072 and being permanent parcel number 26-118090.

Plaintiff further alleged that by a reason of default in payment of said Promissory Note, the conditions of said Mortgage have been broken and the same has become absolute.

The Defendant(s) named above are required to answer and assert any interest in said property or be forever barred from asserting any interest therein, and to raise any defense to foreclosure of said mortgage, the marshalling of liens, the sale of said real property. Said Defendant(s) are required to file an Answer within twenty-eight days after last date of publication, which shall be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, or they might be denied a hearing in this case.

By:

Adrienne S. Foster (Bar No.: 0080011); Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., Attorneys for Plaintiff, P.O. BOX 19519, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33318,; Telephone: (954) 564-0071; Facsimile: (954) 564-9252; Service E-mail: answersms@dallegal.com

Mar20-27 Apr3, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE SALE OF REAL ESTATE

In the State of Ohio, County of Geauga, Case No. 23-F-000449 - Freedom Mortgage Corporation (Plaintiff) vs. Reginald Stovall, et al, (Defendants)

In pursuance of an Order of Sale directed to me in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public online auction the following described real estate: Property Address: 17866 Leggett Road, Montville, Ohio 44064

Legal Description: A full legal description of the property may be obtained at www.buddybartonauctions.com.

Parcel Number: 20-020700 Said Premises Appraised: $285,000.00 Minimum Bid: $190,000.00

Location of Sale: Online Bidding at www.buddybartonauctions.com

Bidding Open Date: April 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM

Bidding Closes Date: April 30, 2025 at 2:00

PM

2nd Provisional Open Date: May 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM

2nd Provisional Close Date: May 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of $10,000 is due by wire transfer within 48 hours upon conclusion of the auction. Funding must take place within 30 days of confirmation of sale. A 5% Buyer’s Premium shall apply. The auction is subject to postponement and cancellation. Purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient.

Ross Barton III, Private Selling Officer, info@buddybartonauctions.com, 330-4641375

Mar27 Apr3-10, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

SALE OF REAL ESTATE

In the State of Ohio, County of Geauga, Case No. 24-F-000440 - Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC (Plaintiff) vs. Unknown Heirs of Duane G. Rector, Jr., et al, (Defendants)

In pursuance of an Order of Sale directed to me in the above entitled action, I will offer for sale at public online auction the following described real estate:

Property Address: 19198 Mumford Road, Garrettsville, Ohio 44231

Legal Description: A full legal description of the property may be obtained at www.buddybartonauctions.com.

Parcel Number: 32-050150

Said Premises Appraised: $100,000.00

Minimum Bid: $66,666.67

Location of Sale: Online Bidding at www.buddybartonauctions.com

Bidding Open Date: April 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM

Bidding Closes Date: April 30, 2025 at 2:00

PM

2nd Provisional Open Date: May 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM

2nd Provisional Close Date: May 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of $10,000 is due by wire transfer within 48 hours upon conclusion of the auction. Funding must take place within 30 days of confirmation of sale. A 5% Buyer’s Premium shall apply. The auction is subject to postponement and cancellation. Purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the sale are insufficient. Ross Barton III, Private Selling Officer, info@buddybartonauctions.com, 330-4641375 Mar27 Apr3-10, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VARIANCE TO THE CHARDON TOWNSHIP ZONING RESOLUTION

Notice is hereby given that the Chardon Township Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing for a variance to the Chardon Township Zoning Resolution on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 7:00 o’clock p.m. at the Town Hall, 9949 Mentor Road, Chardon, Ohio.

CASE 2025-1 – Kathleen Jean Osborne, 8661 Ravenna Road, Chardon, OH, requests to construct an accessory building on the property located at 8661 Ravenna Road, Chardon, Ohio. The proposed accessory building would be located twenty (20) feet from the right-side lot line. Section 500.03 Minimum Yards of the Chardon Township Zoning Resolution requires a minimum of thirty (30) feet from the side lot line in the R-2 Residential District. Linda Kerry, Secretary Mar27, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

City of Chardon

The City of Chardon’s Water Department has released its 2024 Consumer Confidence Report. To review the water quality report, visit the link at: www.chardon.cc/waterreport2024 If you do not have access to the internet, please call 440-286-2655 for the report to be mailed to your home.

Frank Taylor, Superintendent Mar27, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Chester Township

Notice is hereby given that the Chester Township Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on a motion which is an amendment, identified as number ZC-2025-2 and ZC-2025-3 to the Chester Township Zoning Resolution at the Chester Town Hall located at 12701 Chillicothe Road, at 7:00 p.m. on April

16, 2025. For information about either of these proposed amendments, please visit: The motion proposing to amend the Zoning Resolution will be available for examination at the Chester Town Hall during regular office hours and available on the Chester Township website from March 20, 2025 through all Public Hearings. https://chestertwp.com/upcoming-zoning-amendments/

After the conclusion of the public hearing, the matter will be submitted to the board of township trustees for its action.

Kathleen McCarthy, Administrative Assistant Mar27, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

DUST CONTROL BID

The Huntsburg Township Board of Trustees will receive sealed proposals until 2:00 p.m. on April 15, 2025, proposals will be opened and read aloud at 8:00 pm during the Trustees’ meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 for the Spraying of MC70, CRS OR AEP and the spreading of washed #8 limestone on Township Roads in Huntsburg Township, during the 2025 construction season.

Bid proposals may be obtained by calling the Huntsburg Township Fiscal Officer at 440636-5486 or mailing to P.O. Box 280, Huntsburg, Ohio 44046. All bid proposals shall be submitted on forms provided by the Board of Trustees.

A bid bond or certified check, cashier’s check, or money order, on a solvent bank or savings and loan association, in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total bid amount, and liability insurance for injury to persons and/ or damage to property in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00 and property damage liability insurance in an amount not less than $500,000.00, shall accompany each bid. The bid shall be let on a unit price basis.

The Huntsburg Township Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of the laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Board of Trustees.

Legal notice shall be considered as part of the bid specifications.

Address all bids to: The Huntsburg Township Board of Trustees, P.O. Box 280, Huntsburg, Ohio 44046, and identify sealed envelopes as “Proposal for the Spraying of MC70, CRS OR AEP and brooming off stone if requires for CRS applications, Spreading of # 8 washed Limestone on Various Roads during the 2025 Construction Season”. BY ORDER OF THE HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Michele A. Saunders, Fiscal Officer Mar27 Apr3, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Newbury Township

The Newbury Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a public hearing on the 15th of April, 2025 at 7:00 pm, at the Newbury Township Hall, regarding an application for an Area Variance, known as AV-25-003, for applicant/ owner James and Wendy Geralis, located at 15764 Grace St., Newbury, Ohio 44065, for side yard variance, on parcel number 23-282380, located in a Residential zoning district. The meeting will be located at Newbury Township Hall, 14899 Auburn Rd., Newbury, Ohio 44065

Ruth Cavanagh, Secretary Mar27, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Asphalt Resurfacing of Various Roads Newbury Township, Geauga County, Ohio Bids will be received by the Newbury Township Board of Trustees digitally via Bid Express® or in a sealed envelope at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024 by 10:00 AM local time on April 11, 2025 and read publicly at 10:10 AM local time at the above address. The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $470,000. Proposal, plans, and specifications may be obtained from the following website: https:// www.bidexpress.com/. Bidders and subcontractors can view and download information free of charge. All digital Bidders must register with Bid Express® (allow time for processing). Submission of a digital bid requires a fee paid directly to Bid Express®. This fee is charged on a per bid or monthly basis. Paper bid documents are also available free of charge at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 153, the bid must be accompanied by an original sealed document (uploaded for digital bids) in the form of a bond for the full amount of the

bid (100%). Otherwise, each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1305. All digital Bidders must submit original documents within three (3) business days of the bid opening.

Bids may be held by the Newbury Township Board of Trustees for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding the contract. The Newbury Township Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Newbury Township Board of Trustees. This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/. BY THE ORDER OF THE NEWBURY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES Lindsay Pollack, Fiscal Officer Mar27, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Asphalt Resurfacing of Various Roads Hambden Township, Geauga County, Ohio Bids will be received by the Hambden Township Board of Trustees digitally via Bid Express® or in a sealed envelope at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024 by 10:00 AM local time on April 11, 2025 and read publicly at 10:05 AM local time at the above address. The bid shall be let upon a unit price basis. The estimated cost for this project is $645,000.00. Proposal, plans, and specifications may be obtained from the following website: https:// www.bidexpress.com/. Bidders and subcontractors can view and download information free of charge. All digital Bidders must register with Bid Express® (allow time for processing). Submission of a digital bid requires a fee paid directly to Bid Express®. This fee is charged on a per bid or monthly basis. Paper bid documents are also available free of charge at the Geauga County Engineer’s Office, 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 153, the bid must be accompanied by an original sealed document (uploaded for digital bids) in the form of a bond for the full amount of the bid (100%). Otherwise, each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or letter of credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid amount pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1305. All digital Bidders must submit original documents within three (3) business days of the bid opening.

Bids may be held by the Hambden Township Board of Trustees for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of opening, for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding the contract. The Hambden Township Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bids received, and to accept any bid or bids which are deemed most favorable to the Board at the time and under conditions stipulated, all in accord with the applicable provisions of laws of the State of Ohio governing the conduct of the Hambden Township Board of Trustees.

This legal notice is posted at the following website: https://www.geaugacountyengineer. org/projects-bids/legal-notices/.

BY THE ORDER OF THE HAMBDEN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mike Romans, Fiscal Officer Mar27, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

Sale of Real Estate GEAUGA COUNTY

Foreclosure Auction

Case# 24-F-000308 - JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association vs Dennis L. Woodford, et al.

The description of the property to be sold is as follows: Property Address: 18275 CHILLICOTHE ROAD, CHAGRIN FALLS (BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP), GEAUGA, OH, 44023; Legal Description: Full Legal Listed on Public Website; Parcel Number: 02-224600

Bidding will be available only on www.Auction.com opening on April 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM for a minimum of 7 days.

Property may be sold on a provisional sale date should the third-party purchaser fail to provide their deposit within the allotted time. Provisional Sale date: May 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Sales subject to cancellation. The deposit required is $5,000 to be paid by wire transfer within 2 hours of the sale ending. No cash is permitted. Purchaser shall be responsible for those costs, allowances, and taxes that the proceeds of the

sale are insufficient to cover. To view all sale details and terms for this property visit www.Auction.com and enter the Search Code 24F000308 into the search bar. Mar27 Apr3-10, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

VILLAGE OF BURTON

A Village of Burton Planning Commission meeting has been scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM at the Village Hall, second floor of the Burton Public Library.

The Board will review a “Petition for a Zoning Amendment-Rezoning of Property” from East Walden Properties, LLC c/o Jared Ronyak, David Ronyak and Jason Ronyak. The property parcel #05-045315 in question is “vacant” with a zoning classification as R-1 Suburban Residence, with a proposed zoning classification as a M-2 Industrial.

Rezoning this property to M-2 Industrial would match the zoning of the adjacent parcel and allow the East Walden Properties to have additional available property for their business operations and allowing the most productive use of said property. Lynn McCollum-Arnold, Deputy Administrative Assistant Mar27, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE BURTON

A Village of Burton Board of Zoning Appeals meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday April 9, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the American Legion Hall, 14052 Goodwin Avenue, Burton, OH 44021.

The Board will review a “Request for a Variance”, Section 1139.03 of the Burton Village zoning ordinance” for the property located at 13395 West Center Street, Burton, OH. The variance request is for 75’ of the rear property line of said location.

This facility will be transitioning into a workforce development for Berkshire Schools with a Diesel Mechanics Program as well as a live auto repair for the Preston Superstore. Lynn McCollum-Arnold, Deputy Administrative Assistant Mar27, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

Village of Middlefield

Notice is hereby given that during the Council Meeting Public Hearing held on March 13, 2025, The Village of Middlefield passed the following legislation:

RESOLUTION 25-03 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

ORDINANCE 25-112 AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURE OF THE VILLAGE OF MIDDLEFIELD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

ORDINANCE 25-113 AN ORDINANCE CORRECTING SCRIVENER’S ERRORS IN PAYROLL ORDINANCES 25-103 AND 25-104, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

ORDINANCE 25-114 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PURCHASE OFFER AND AGREEMENT WITH BF ACQUISITION LLC FOR THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

RESOLUTION 25-01 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ARCHIVIST TO ACT AS THE DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE VILLAGE OF MIDDLEFIELD COUNCIL FOR PURPOSE OF REQUIRED PUBLIC RECORDS TRAINING. The Complete Text Of These Resolutions And Ordinances May Be Viewed Or Obtained At The Office Of The Fiscal Officer, 14860 N. State Ave., Middlefield, Ohio During Regular Business Hours.

Cindy Naftzger, Administrative Asst. /Billing Clerk Mar27, 2025

Geauga County Sheriff’s Report

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office March 14 to March 20, 2025.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

March 17

5:02 p.m., Harrington Way, Walmart, Middlefield. Male and female physically fighting in parking lot. Caller advised the female was pinned down on the hood of the van and the female was punching the male in the head trying to get away from her. Caller still sees them. Female is getting ready to leave in the tan van. Male party is standing outside the window. Manager from Walmart is advising his cameras have video of the incident. When able, he will have it ready at the front desk for Middlefield Fire, Police. Report taken.

ROAD RAGE

March 18

5:45 p.m., Great Lakes Cheese, Troy. Caller was involved in a road rage incident this morning on Route 422 when a female followed her and bumped the back of her truck. No damage, just a scuff mark. She then followed her to work and drove through the parking lot. She returned later in the day and was taking pictures

of the caller's car. She is on video doing. The female works in the same building but on the other side. Caller gets off work at 6 p.m. She will be waiting by her black Ford F150. She is parked in the east side lot in the back. Other female was driving a red Jeep Cherokee and later came back in a maroon truck.

PROPERTY DAMAGE

March 17

11:53 a.m., Auburn Road, Chardon. Lake Church of Christ. Someone has been turfing the yard and the vehicle is now stuck in the yard. White sedan, possibly a Lexus.

SICK/INJURED ANIMAL

March 18

7:10 a.m., Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School, Munson. By the barn, there is an injured coyote. Does not appear to be able to care for itself. Coyote was dead upon arrival

SUSPICIOUS

March 14

11:41 p.m., Princeton Road, Huntsburg. Male was crouching in the ditch across from the caller's house when she left. He crouched

further when she passed and then moved further down to hide. All black jacket with three white stripes on the sleeve. Possibly a minor male, buzz cut. White male. Unable to locate, gone on arrival.

March 17

4:03 p.m., Dewey Road, Thompson. Caller had a jar of urine thrown in the caller’s yard. Caller doesn't know who did it. Nature changed from Vandalism to Suspicious. Documented.

March 18

6:53 a.m., Grant and N. Hambden Streets, Hambden, Chardon. Caller says a homeless camp, tarps over bikes and a camper thing on or near his property. Southeast corner. Unknown how many people. Advised they will be charged if they return to NEO Lighting property.

March 19

7:22 p.m., Troy Oaks Drive, Troy. Caller advising that someone took pictures of her laying in bed. She advised she knows they did and she saw them. She advised the person was in their own home and somehow took pics of her while she watched. Caller was not on the phone

Real Estate Transfers

Following is a list of real estate transfers for the week ending March 21, 2025, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.

AUBURN TOWNSHIP

Fox Crossing Properties Ltd., Auburn Road, to Monique Rice, $70,000. (2.14 acres)

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

SDC III OH LLC, 7125 Aurora Road, to Clovis Jensen Commercial LLC, $1,575,000. (0.83 acres)

Grandview Homes 1 LLC, 16575 Wren Road, to Michael J. Ford, $205,000. (0.00 acres)

Daniel T. and Nancy B. Tainer, 18365 Bent Tree Lane, to Bent Tree Lane Holdings LLC, $622,500. (0.52 acres)

BURTON VILLAGE

James P. Kovacs, 14492 Garden St., to Lisa R. Lockemer, $255,000. (0.45 acres)

CHARDON CITY

Thistlecreek Development LLC, 204 Windflower Drive, to JEMM Construction LLC, $70,000. (0.21 acres)

FLG Chardon LLC, 237 High Fox Drive, to NVR Inc., $90,000. (0.17 acres)

Michael N. Ledbetter, 128 Cedar Glen, to AM, $259,000. (0.21 acres)

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Karen E. Kieselbach (TOD), 12796 Opalocka Drive, to Emmet D. Hodder and Elizabeth M. Gorse, $265,000. (0.50 acres)

Zachary Farmer, 8444 Lincoln Drive, to Alexandra and Samuel Paros Jr., $303,000. (1.03 acres)

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company (trustee), 13241 County Line Road, to Sarah Armstrong (trustee), $557,500. (5.67 acres)

HUNTSBURG TOWNSHIP

Joseph D. and Laura J. Detweiler, Burton Windsor Road, to Norman D. Miller, $15,000. (0.98 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP

Virginia F. Shipman (TOD), 16894 Swine Creek Road, to Janice M. Shipman, $157,000. (1.50 acres)

MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE

Middlefield Parkway, 15397 Oak Hill Drive, to NVR Inc., $66,600. (0.25 acres)

MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP

Dean S. and Jill A. Ziegler, 9670 Plank Road, to Benjamin J. Eggleston, $217,500. (4.63 acres)

PARKMAN TOWNSHIP

Lester N. and Cora D. Shrock, 16742 Tavern Road, to Marlin D., David E., and Betty J. Mullet, $450,000. (1.16 acres)

TROY TOWNSHIP

RD Investment Properties LLC, Claridon Troy Road, to Garcha Transport, LLC,

and cannot explain how this happened. Caller advised that she is special needs and that her aide just arrived. Spoke with aide, and she advised that the caller does not have a computer and that she does not know how this was possible. Aide sounded like she was not able to speak freely about the situation due to the caller being right there and being upset. Caller want the incident documented

THEFT

March 14

11:08 a.m., Mayfield Road, Huntsburg. 50 bee boxes and two boxes of live bees. Last seen on March 9. Spoke with caller who stated she had two bee hives with bees in them along with 50 empty bee hives stolen. See report.

THREATENING

March 17

9 a.m., Madison Road, Parkman. Neighbor has been screaming for the last few days and threatened the caller and is knocking on her door. She does not feel comfortable. She also called Ravenwood. Was taken to the ER for a voluntary eval because he needed his medication.

$293,000. (2.16 acres)

Lester N. and Cora D. Shrock, 16740 Tavern Road, to Marlin D., David E., and Betty J. Mullet, $450,000. (21.09 acres)

AUTOS & PARTS

455 Olds Engine, complete. Very Good Condition. Stored over 30 years. $650/OBO. 440-313-5896.

FOR RENT

Remodeling: 5BR, 2BA. Includes laundry room, rec room or 6th BR, basement, garage. Large closets, 2 are walkin. No pets, No smoking. Huntsburg. 440-636-5747. Auburn: 1BR apartment, includes laundry room and attached garage. No pets. $975/mo. Call 440-221-0649.

FOR SALE

DEER HUNTERS: (40) Deer Hunter and (73) Bow Hunter Magazines. Vintage, Excellent Condition. Great reading and informational. Harvest that Big One!! Inquire. 440223-9471.

Scarves from Italy: $30/each. Embroidered Silk shawls: $10/each. Deruta pottery: from $50. Newer Grill: $400. 3-piece marble column from Italy: $250. Cash Only. Call 440-477-9085.

Two burial plots at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens with full package: 2 vaults, 2 caskets, dual memorial headstone; $7,400. 440-476-0706. Couch & Love Seat w/fitted covers. Good to Excellent shape. You haul it. Cash Only. $80 for the pair. Color: tan. 440-632-9675.

Kendon Motorcycle Trailer: 1994, single rail fold-up design with casters for easy storage. Independent suspension, LED lights. $900. Call Mike 216-536-3698.

Items For Sale: Small upholstered chair, stoneware pottery, jugs, antique coffee mills, humidors, school desk. FREE crib mattress. 440-729-1082.

Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743.

Sofa: excellent condition, $200. (3) Ratchet Sets $20/ each. Toolbox w/assorted tools and wrenches $30. 440-313-1413.

Antique Dining Room Set for sale: Lifetime furniture. Table with leaf, 6 chairs, buffet, sideboard, China cabinet. Good condition. Call/text 440-223-9023.

Classifieds

Firewood: mixed hardwoods, 4’x8’x16-inch pieces, $135. Delivered within 15 miles of Chardon. 440-687-5404. New white triple track Storm Windows: perfect for home & porch enclosures (7) 30-1/4x59-1/4 $125 each. George 440-336-5044.

Like-new 5 cubic ft GE Chest Freezer: $75. 31” tall, 28” length, 22” wide. 440-279-4310.

Antique Curio Cabinet: glass sides, glass door, mirror back, 8 adjustable shelves, 85” tall, 22” wide, 17” deep, Excellent Condition, very unique; $480. 440554-5731.

Lake View Cemetery, 4 burial plots total (2 double lots): Cemetery Price $10,100 per dbl. Asking $8,000 each dbl. 440-729-0070.

Celli Spading Machine for 3-point hitch tractor, NYP130 spades 51” wide and up to 12” deep, barely broken in; Like New. $4,000. 440-548-2414.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

3/28-3/30, 10a-5p. 11545 County Line Rd, Chesterland. Antique bookcases. Vintage Coke machine, works. Pressure cooker. Bread maker. Coffee makers. Vacuums. Wall Mirrors. Aviator headphones. Leather flight jacket. Vintage jewelry boxes. Haitian treasure box. Brand new water heater. Rain or Shine!

HELP WANTED

Yard Worker wanted for Spring, Summer, Fall. Starting at $16/hr, cash daily, more with experience, driver’s license preferred. 440-338-3563. Russell address. Small private farm: 3hrs, 2x a week, cleaning stalls, barn, rabbit hutches, chicken/duck area; other tasks around the farm; $20/hr for qualified person. 440729-3124 or carol.c.smith@mindspring.com.

PETS & ANIMALS

Barn homes needed for a number of fixed & vaxxed semi-feral cats whose elderly caretaker was evicted. Help us help them. Rebecca 440-321-2485.

MISCELLANEOUS

FREE warning: teens can purchase pills via apps that may contain deadly fentanyl

REAL ESTATE

Homes & Land Wanted: any condition or situation! Fast, friendly, local. Serving Geauga and surrounding counties. Text or call Wayne at 330-269-9595.

SERVICES

Caregiver: will do in-home personal care, cleaning, light housework, laundry. Licensed with references. 440313-1804.

Need help organizing or clearing your clutter? Organizer Sharon can help! Charging by the hour. Call/text 440668-8768.

Experienced Caregiver seeking part- time or full-time clients. 15+ year’s experience with references. 216409-6904.

Experienced Landscape Company looking for lawns for the 2025 season. Service Contract includes: cut, trim and blow. Call/text 440-883-9124 for estimate. Tall Oaks Landscaping LLC.

WANTED